Execution of MSI-based Software

The Windows Installer installs the application using the specifications con­tained in the MSI database.

Installation Methods

MSI offers two methods of installation:

  • Installation for the user
    The MSI Package is installed only for this user. Other users are not able to work with the application.
  • Installation for the computer
    The MSI Package is installed for this computer. All users can use the application on this computer.

If several users are to work with an application on the same computer, it is advisable to install the application for the computer. Otherwise, the application would be reinstalled each time the user changes.

Background: "Installation for the user" or "Installation for the computer" cor­respond to the values "0" or "2" of the ALLUSERS property.

Parameters

You can assign the Windows Installer a number of parameters, including val­ues for Public Properties (see: MSI Transforms). The possible parameters for msiexec can be found in the Microsoft Help accompanying the Windows Installer SDK.

MSI Logging

The Windows Installer logs the execution of the MSI-based software.

When you start the installation of a DSM MSI Package with the Installer, the log file will be assigned the name NIMsiInst_[date number]_[MSI pro­duct name].LOG and is written into the DSM log files directory.

You can set the degree of detail of the MSI logging:

  • NORMAL
  • DEBUG (Note: This file is very large.)

    • The local DSM variable Msi.CurrentLogFileName is named after the generated MSI log file. You can use this variable, for example, to send the MSI log file by e-mail when troubleshooting.

Post-Installing an MSI-based Software (Repair)

The automatic post-installation of an MSI-based software can be initialized, for example, ...

  • if a feature that is not yet installed is requested with the setting install during first use.
  • if the installation status of a feature that is not yet installed is changed using the DSM command MSIConfigureFeature.
  • if the user portion of a MSI Package is post-installed with the user-related installation option.